Are You Ready To Get Smart? Enhancing Your Facility With Smart Technology Planning

By BETCO

The following is information published in a white paper by BETCO. To download the full paper, click here.

In a previous white paper, A Wiser Approach for Building Smart, we explored what it takes to build your “dream” smart self-storage facility. There’s a lot to consider, including cutting-edge technology, infrastructure compatibility and planning for future upgrades.

In this installment, we will dig a little deeper into what it takes to ensure your facility is not just equipped with smart technology, but is also strategically planned for long-term success. 

The only way to build a technology-focused, secure and aesthetically pleasing smart self-storage facility without breaking your budget is with a smart plan. In this white paper, we’ll guide you through the essential steps for effective technology planning, ensuring your facility is ready to meet the demands of today’s tech-savvy tenants.

Why Do You Need a Smart Technology Plan? 

Planning a smart technology system is not always easy. Here are some key questions you’ll have to consider: 

1. Is your design and infrastructure capable of supporting your technology vision? A well-planned building infrastructure is the backbone for high-performing smart buildings. It cannot be an afterthought. Builders must thoughtfully map the facility’s framework, devices, and integrations — everything from gating to wiring to cabling — before installing smart features. Late planning causes last-minute scrambles. 
2. Where will you place your smart devices and wires for optimal security? The “smartest” buildings are equipped with strategically placed security cameras, gates and access features. However, technology integration is complex, and things get even more complicated when new or upgraded smart features are introduced. System integration planning should happen during your design stage with the guidance of a smart technology integration expert. 
3. Have you considered your cable management system? Your smart infrastructure demands a custom, well-designed cable management system to pair with your contractor’s formal electrical plan. For example, you’ll need to consider how your building’s low-voltage wiring, network racks, low-voltage controls and cable management system integrate to support your smart devices. The building’s aesthetics, connectivity, security, durability and future depend on it. Plus, your electrical design team and contractors will appreciate having a custom, well-designed low-voltage plan. Knowing the correct power plan will save them time and money.
4. How will you ensure reliable connectivity? Smart buildings must have an efficient and effective network. That means thinking ahead about where you’ll put and integrate everything for optimal connectivity. For example, your building layout will need to consider where you’ll house fragile devices and how you’ll protect them to maximize use. Proper planning for these components during the early design stages is vital. 
5. How will you maintain, upgrade and replace your smart features to future-proof your facility? Technology evolves rapidly. Developers need to future-proof their buildings to keep up with tenant and remote management demands. Your infrastructure and cable management system should be flexible enough to grow with changing needs, expectations and advancements. It’s about selecting, placing and installing the right tools for today while preparing for optimization and upgrades tomorrow.

HERE’S THE CHALLENGE: When it comes to technology planning, most developers don’t plan ahead. Many aren’t thinking about their technology or cable management systems, overlooking these critical considerations until it’s too late. By the time they think about technology infrastructure and planning, they’re already facing costly complications. A comprehensive technology plan will help you avoid these headaches and ensure your facility’s long-term success.

Key Elements of a Smart Technology Plan

Planning a technology system for a new smart self-storage facility is complex. It’s not just about being fully operational and connected on opening day. You also need to consider your building’s technological future carefully. And that planning needs to start well in advance — ideally, long before you break ground. Unfortunately, most developers aren’t thinking that far ahead. 

Your smart facility begins with your vision. If you work with an experienced smart-technology contractor, they should help select the smart devices and features ideal for your space, environment and design. 

1. Smart entry systems with Bluetooth-enabled smart locks and access control systems tailored for your self-storage needs. 
2. Self-storage door operators that automate roll-up doors conveniently and securely. 
3. Integrated access control solutions for best-in-class security cameras, gates and gate operators, and seamless entry and exit solutions. 
4. State-of-the-art security cameras for enhanced facility monitoring and security. 
5. 5. Durable roofing approaches and warranties, giving you peace of mind when it comes to your building’s quality and performance long-term.

You wouldn’t build a house without a wiring plan, so why would you try to build a self-storage facility without one? Be sure to do your homework and get smart about advanced technology systems for your storage facility.

Since 1984, self-storage developers worldwide have turned to BETCO to create custom self-storage buildings of every shape and size—from single-story buildings to multistory facilities. While other self-storage building providers offer piecemeal products and services, BETCO’s craftsman buildings are skillfully designed from the slab up to meet any demand, including building smart. BETCO’s team combines expert strategy, intelligent infrastructure and innovative features—like those from Access Control Technologies and Nokē Smart Entry—to create any owner’s dream facility. For more information, visit the company’s website.

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